Thread: Willys body maker in illinois

Tweet

This is probably who you mean; http://www.davviki.com/home.htm

These folks used to own a similar company known as Heritage hot rod (or something close to that), also based in Ill. You can do a search online for some historical (note, they mention on their new site they sold the old one a few years back) opinions on their previous business practices and quality (?) level. Charitably I'll say they built down to a price point instead of up to a quality standard.

It is the same company, same building just a new name. I think the "Heritage quality" came back to bite them and they had to reorganize.

I see they have dropped the prices on their current Willys complete body kit a grand or so. They, or their biggest dealer, specialized in rollers on the S10 frame which was a real bad deal. If all your customer wants is a Willys then this is a good price but if he wants you to build him a nice Willys I would look elswhere.

Just my 2 cents worth of experience.
John

Actually they sold the Heritage business. There were a number of press releases, and announcements of their "retirement". It was sold to some guy in Oklahoma. I see now the apparent remains of that are now in Ohio under the name Heritage Hot Rods, same line of bodies and similar business model. Wouldn't surprise me the first buyer found out what a pig in the poke he bought, but that's only speculation. Either way this is technically a new business not a reorganization..............but the owners are the same and I'm sure their outlook on the market is too. Your first hand experience reinforces the rest of what's been said about them in years past.

Bob,
You are correct as usual It appears the second owner and the dealer I bought mine from, continue as Heritage Hot rods. I wonder if he took all of the molds with him. Perhaps Daveviki actually does produce a better product out the same building than was done before. I will afford them the benefit of the doubt.
John.